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Nigerian Army’s successes over Boko Haram have sent foreign agents, fake activists into coma, says CAFA

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The Citizens Against Fake Activists (CAFA) believes the Nigerian Army’s recent victory over Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Yobe State has sent fake activists in the country as well as their collaborators outside the shores into a prolonged state of deep unconsciousness.

CAFA said this is apparent as these so-called social crusaders and their international allies have suddenly gone AWOL and lost their voices following the troops’ clearance operation in Buni Gari that left over 150 insurgents dead.

The Nigerian Army, led by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has received massive adulation from all and sundry for turning the tides in its final clearance operation in the Northeast.

The COAS’ decision to relocate fully to the Theatre of Operations until the fleeing terrorists are flushed out has endeared him further to Nigerians but even more importantly, the international community.

However, some activists, with a long history of criticising the troops, have bizarrely turned blind eyes and dumb, failing to acknowledge this latest feat.

In a statement signed by the Interim Secretary General, Abu David, on Monday, CAFA said it had waited for over 24 hours to see if these activists would at least react.

The group, however, concluded that the likes of Oby Ezekwesili, Ahmad Salkida, Omoyele Sowore, Aisha Yesufu and Deji Adeyanju are in mourning at the moment as the Army’s feat spoilt their livelihoods.

CAFA, therefore, called on Nigerians to condemn this nauseating hypocrisy of mischievous elements who only celebrate when they perceive the country is losing in the anti-terrorism war and become mute when there’s a win.

The anti-fake terrorists group advised these questionable Nigerians to have a rethink and repent as the country belongs to everyone and it is only wise that citizens come together to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

Read full statement below:

The Citizens Against Fake Activists (CAFA) has waited for over 24 hours after the Nigerian Army carried out decisive attacks that has killed over 105 Boko Harm/Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists to see the kind of treatment the compromised activists in the country and their collaborating international media circuit will give to the event.

Not surprisingly, the gang of compromised activists and the international media have maintained a loud silence on the neutralization of these terrorists, which has now confirmed that the activism of these identified saboteurs has more to do with the monetary gains they can make off other people’s suffering than a zeal to improve the country.

CAFA noted that the lack of comments more than 24 hours after the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists met their waterloo is sharply at variance with the timeframe within which the so-called activists usually issue statements and troll from their social media accounts whenever the military recorded any kind of casualty in the anti-terrorism war.

Nigerians should at this time no longer be in doubt that the feeble condemnation that these activists usually direct at the military is in reality a commendation of terrorists hence their inability to properly recognize the success that the army just recorded against the insurgents. We urge Nigerians to condemn this nauseating hypocrisy of mischievous elements who only celebrate when they perceive country is on the losing side in the anti-terrorism war and become angry when Nigeria is making progress.

The impression CAFA formed from this development is that the likes of Oby Ezekwesili, Ahmad Salkida, Omoyele Sowore, Aisha Yesufu, Deji Adeyanju and other paid activists are in mourning because of the large-scale death visited on the terrorists whose crimes they usually exploit as leverage to blackmail the military and incumbent government. These pseudo activists are apparently in mourning because a key component of their livelihood, terrorism, is about being taken off the table.

CAFA urges these questionable activists to have a rethink and repent as Nigeria belongs to everyone and it is only wise that citizens come together to build the nation envisioned by founding fathers especially as time is running out to put up a united front against the enemies of Nigeria. Hunger or the need to earn money, even in foreign currency, will never be an acceptable justification for siding with the enemies of Nigeria.

In this regard, CAFA equally condemns the activities of a section of the international media organizations that hysterically report the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP while disregarding the successes of government troops, first in holding the terrorists at bay and more recently in decimating them on a scale that is soon to make terrorism a thing of the past in Nigeria. We are aware that they exploit the desperation of these paid activists, whom they use as resource persons in the futile attempt to give credibility to the lies they tell about the true state of affairs in Nigeria’s war against terrorism. We find it odd that these international media organization can follow every single activity of Boko Haram but have not been able to inform their audience about the terrorists’ source of funding and weapons as well as the recruitment and radicalization programs that had allowed them recover from previous degradation by the military. Organizations that know the truth and hold back on them in order for terrorism to remain strong are themselves guilty of terrorism.

CAFA wholeheartedly lauds the Nigerian Army for the blow it dealt Boko Haram/ISWAP, which is consistent with the prowess of Nigeria’s military as we know it. We are confident that without external or third-party nation interference by way of weapons, funding, propaganda and training support to Boko Haram/ISWAP, the Nigerian Army will continue to defeat all these charlatans and their conspiracies against Nigeria.

We urge the Army to ignore the so-called plea for a truce by the disoriented terrorists. Troops should continue to show them the might of the Nigerian military until such a time it is apparent that all Boko Haram/ISWAP components – fighters, commanders, cyber warriors, NGO arm, paid activists, international media and others are truly ready to allow Nigeria to exist in peace.

Coronavirus: “Africa needs at least $114bn to fight pandemic” – IMF

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As the world continues to battle Coronavirus, African countries including Nigeria need at least $114bn to fight the pandemic, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says.

The statement on the agency’s website was issued on Sunday after a meeting of African leaders, bilateral partners and multilateral institutions, which was jointly convened by the World Bank and the IMF.

So far, the statement said official creditors have mobilised up to $57bn for Africa in 2020 alone – including upwards of $18bn from the IMF and the World Bank each.

The fund is meant to provide the front-line health services, support the poor and vulnerable, and keep economies afloat in the face of the worst global economic downturn since the 1930s.

It was also disclosed that private creditor support to the continent in 2020 could amount to an estimated $13bn.

“This is an important start, but the continent needs an estimated $114bn in 2020 in its fight against COVID-19, leaving a financing gap of around $44bn,” the statement said.

More so, creditors have been asked to suspend debt repayment at a crucial point.

“This pandemic has already had a devastating impact on Africa and its effects will deepen as the rate of infection rises.

“It is a setback for the progress we have made to eradicate poverty, inequality and underdevelopment,” he said while noting that “large financing gaps remain” despite the assistance so far extended to African countries.”

The World Bank is deploying up to $160bn in financial support – $55bn of which will be for Africa – over the next 15 months to help countries protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and bolster economic recovery.

The IMF is also leveraging its $1tn lending capacity to provide comprehensive support for member countries.

COVID-19: FRSC Begins production, distribution of customized face masks for personnel nationwide

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The Federal Road Safety Corps has commenced the production and distribution of customised face masks for its personnel across the country. This development came in response to the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government to procure and distribute locally made face masks for use by their staff as part of established efforts to quell the spread of the virus.

According to Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, to ensure a timely response to this directive, the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi has directed the tailoring unit of the Corps to commence immediate and speedy production and distribution of customised face masks for Officers and Marshals of the Corps nationwide due to the critical role the Corps plays in the ongoing enforcement of the National restriction order.

Kazeem noted that FRSC personnel being at the front line in the enforcement of the Presidential restriction order on Covid-19, they have every tendency of coming in contact with different categories of people including carriers of the infectious disease, and as such deserve to adopt all precautionary measures, especially the constant use of face masks while discharging their statutory functions.

He further stated that the produced facemasks to be distributed to personnel have been certified by medical experts to be fit for use by all Staff.

The Spokesperson recalled that in the wake of the pandemic, the Corps Marshal had proactively supervised the distribution of alcohol based sanitizers and the conventional medical face masks to staff at the National Headquarters and other formations including the National Driver’s Licence capture centres.

BREAKING: Imo state Government speaks on renaming University after late Abba Kyari

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The Imo state government has reacted to reports that the Governor, Hope Uzodinma is planning to rename the Imo State University, Owerri after late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that the rumour originated from a press statement reportedly the state government announcing the governor’s decision. The statement read;

“Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has hinted that plans are in place to rename the state-owned Imo State University to Mallam Abba Kyari University. The Governor made this call when the management staff of the university led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adaobi Obasi paid him a visit at the Executive Chambers of the Imo State Government House.”

“The Governor went on to say that Mallam Abba Kyari played a pivotal role in the liberation of Imo State and no gesture is too big for a man who died as a patriot. The Governor also said that consultations are underway with relevant stakeholders both in the education sector and in the State to critically look at the situation and take a decision.”

“The Governor urged the management staff of IMSU to live up to expectation while pointing out that his administration is very committed to quality education in the State and that Imo State University as the epicentre can not be left behind.”

“The University management through the VC commended the Governor for a job well done so far. She also called on all and sundry to support His Excellency to succeed.”

However, when POLITICS NIGERIA reached out to the chief press secretary to Governor Uzodinma, Oguwuike Nwachukwu, he described the report as ‘fake news’.

He confirmed to this paper that the statement was not issued by the Imo state government.

Buni Gari 105: Intensify onslaught against fleeing terrorists, Arewa youths beg Nigerian Army

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The Arewa Action for Change and Peace (AACP) has urged the Nigerian Army to sustain its momentum against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists following a successful onslaught in Buni Gari, Yobe State that left 105 casualties on the side of the insurgents.

AACP made this plea in a statement signed by its President, Hon. Haske Abdulmuminu, on Monday.

The gallant troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, on Saturday, neutralised an attempted attack by terrorists on Buni Gari Village in Gujba Local Government Area of the state.

This comes barely a week after the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai relocated to the Theatre of Operations, promising not to leave until the Northeast is rid of fleeing terrorists.

With the recent development, Arewa Action for Change and Peace believes this mission is closer than envisaged, especially with the charismatic, dogged and resilient COAS on ground.

However, the group said even more can be achieved with acknowledgement and the right motivation from citizens.

While urging the nation to rally behind the troops, ACP assured of its unflinching support, especially in dampening the work of Boko Haram sympathizers to disconcert Nigerians by purveying fake news on social media.

On its part, the Arewa youths appealed to the troops to intensify efforts to flush out the remnants of insurgents and also be mindful of the dynamics of how COVID-19 interplays with the military operations.

AACP, though, advised the troops to approach the remaining operations without the intention of taking captives to avoid the Chadian situation where 44 of 58 captured terrorists committed suicide.

Read full statement below:

The Arewa Action for Change and Peace (AACP) has called on troops of the Nigerian Army to intensify the ongoing war against Boko Haram to ensure that the final defeat of terrorism as ordered by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai is actualized on a timely basis and with lasting results.

The catchment area of Arewa has been on the receiving end of Boko Haram’s murderous acts and lawlessness, which makes the defeat of the terrorists of key importance to us. With the success of the army, we envisage that our economy in the north of Nigeria and our way of life can be restored to levels that are consistent with our aspiration as a people.

It is on this note that we describe the war efforts of the Army as impressive even as we are citing the recent neutralization of 105 terrorists during an operation in Yobe state as proof that the Army would have completely wiped out Boko Haram if they were not finding safe havens within the borders of Nigeria’s neighbors to the northeast. We will like to see more unrepentant Boko Haram fighters bite the dust, the ideology that drives them is in no way related to the Arewa way of life or the religious piety they are using to brainwash their members to take up extremism.

Now that the terrorists are no longer free to escape across the border, beyond Nigeria’s jurisdiction, we can see that troops led by Lt. General Buratai, who relocated to the theatre of operations, have made enormous gains beyond the expectations of Nigerians. The troops could do more with acknowledgement and the right motivation from citizens and AACP will not be found lacking in providing this non-material and non-monetary incentives to the troops. They have found in us a cheerleading group that is confident of their capacity to deliver victory.

We consequently want to assure the troops and the leadership of the Nigerian Army that Nigerians are fully and in total support of all their efforts. Citizens will continue to pray for the troops to vanquish the evil represented by Boko Haram. AACP will on its part dampen the efforts by Boko Haram sympathizers to disconcert Nigerians by purveying fake news in the social media. We will as part of our support regularly appraise citizens about the efforts the Army is making to restore peace to our region.

AACP is however appealing to the troops and the leadership of the Nigeria Army to be mindful of the dynamics of how COVID-19 interplays with the military operations. The pandemic makes it imperative that the Army finishes this war once and for all especially at a Time that the enemies are in disarray whilst their cyber assets are in hiding for fear of Covid-19. The other imperative is the need to mop up the remnant of Boko Haram during ongoing COVID-19 lockdown so that they will not be in a position to spread virus later on account of trying to escape into other major Nigerian cities.

While not being insensitive, AACP is of the view that the current onslaught should be merciless on the account that previous instances where troops showed mercy were abused by terrorists who later storm detention centres to free their members in captivity. Captured terrorists that regain freedom have proven to be more vicious and disproportionately more bloodthirsty than those that have never been captured.

It is also important that troops approach the remaining operations without the intention of taking captives in order to avoid the kind of mess in which the Chadian authorities have now found themselves after 44 of 58 Boko Haram terrorists they captured during battle committed mass suicide while in custody. Boko Haram NGO assets are now using the incident to criminalize the Chadian government; and it is on record that the international NGO conspiracy against Nigeria is more intense so it will be catastrophic for Nigeria to fall into such situation where captured terrorists die in captivity.

National Youth Council commends Buratai for leading brutal war against Boko Haram  

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…Passes a Vote of Confidence On Service Chiefs

 The National Youth Council of Nigeria says it has received with ecstatic jubilation the news of the massacre of 105 guerrilla fighters of the dreaded Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group.

In a statement signed by the National President Comrade Solomon Adodo, the group commended the the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai for leading the war on Boko Haram while passing a vote of confidence of Nigeria’s Service Chiefs.

The statement reads in part…

It should be recalled that we expressed commendation for the Chief of Army Staff on his relocation to take direct command and control of the theatre of war in the Northeast. Our confidence was further strengthened that with the strategic move the end is in sight for the terrorist group. This lethal blow is definitely one in the series of sequential defeats Boko Haram will suffer till they are totally obliterated. We herein salute the courage and sacrifices of the troops of the Nigerian Army and urge them not to relent as our fervid prayers and total support is with them.

On the flipside, we have noted with patriotic chagrin that some enemies of the Nigerian State have rather chosen to use this time to denigrate the Nigerian Army and cast aspersions on the pristine image of the Nigerian Military. We condemn this in entirety. We call on all Nigerians to give the Nigerian Military the full support needed to prosecute this warfare to the finish line successfully.

The successes being recorded by the Military further gives credence that Mr. President relied on the best security/military intelligence in extending the tenure of the current Service Chiefs. The National Youth Council of Nigeria therefore uses this medium to pass a resounding Vote of Confidence on the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces – President Muhammadu Buhari and the entirety of the Military Chiefs. The end of Boko Haram is here and with the fine experience of the current crop of Military Chiefs, total victory is closer than hitherto anticipated.

 

Médecins Sans Frontières official dies from COVID-19 in Borno

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International humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Border, has mourned one of its staff members who died of coronavirus (COVID-19).

MSF Head of Mission in Nigeria, Siham Hajaj, confirmed the death of the medical official in a statement on Monday.

“Our dear colleague died on 18 April, in Maiduguri, and post-mortem test results indicated that they were positive for COVID-19.

“Due to patient confidentiality, we cannot disclose the identity of this patient,“ Hajaj said in the statement.

The patient was the index case of COVID-19 in Borno State while the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control confirmed his death in an early morning tweet on Monday.

Until his death, he was working in Pulka, a district in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State housing thousands of displaced persons.

Following the incident, Hajaj said MSF was supporting the Ministry of Health to identify the contacts of the patient.

He added that the organisation’s projects would continue to operate and provide essential treatment for communities in the country.

The MSF head of mission revealed that the organisation has strengthened infection prevention measures, hygiene facilities, infection control and the establishment of isolation spaces, in its bid to protect its staff and patients.

Read the statement by Hajaj below:

It is with profound sadness that I confirm the loss of one of our colleagues. Our dear colleague died on 18 April in Maiduguri, and post-mortem test results indicated that they were positive for COVID-19.

Due to patient confidentiality, we cannot disclose the identity of this patient. Our thoughts and our deepest sympathies are with the family of our departed colleague.

MSF is now supporting the Ministry of Health in contact tracing.

Our projects will continue to operate, providing essential treatment for communities in Nigeria.

In all our projects and in order to protect our staff and patients, MSF teams have strengthened infection prevention measures, hygiene facilities, infection control and the establishment of isolation spaces.

We pay tribute to the work and contribution of our colleague, and we stand in solidarity with all health workers, now more than ever.

Former NFF technical director slams Super Eagles coach for snubbing Nigerian league players

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Former Nigeria Football Federation technical director Chief Kashimawo Laloko has criticized Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr for his lack of interest in the home base players.

Laloko who is regarded as one of the best football administrators in Nigeria said it is wrong for the Franco-German tactician to shut the Super Eagles door against the Nigerian professional football league players.

Laloko said the players in the domestic are good enough for the national team and asked Rohr to extend an invitation to them in the nearest future.

“The problem I have with Rohr is how many league matches does he watch that will make him condemn them?

During my days as the technical director of NFF, I insisted that the Eagles should be made up of 25 percent home-based players and the board agreed. And we had so many of them who later played for the country,” he told newsmen.

“So, how can you now be telling me there are no good players in our league again?

In the countries he has coached what and what did he win there? I do not know why people cannot do things the right way.” He concluded.

Cesc Fabregas confident Lionel Messi will stay with Barcelona

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AS Monaco midfielder Cesc Fabregas is confident Lionel Messi will stay with Barcelona.

The Barca captain has been linked with Inter Milan.

But former teammate Cesc says: “I speak with Messi and his idea has always been to end his career at Barcelona.

“Many things can happen at a club but I am fully confident that his career will end at Barça.”

Cesc was also asked which current player he would look to sign above all others if he had the choice. His answer was clear, PSG striker Kylian Mbappé.

“Cristiano is 35 and Leo is going to turn 33, they are older. For youth, talent, desire, and mentality, I would sign Mbappé. The thought of having him for ten years upfront for my team, I would go for him.

“Then there are players like Neymar and Haaland, but due to his goal getting and his speed, Mbappé reminds me of [Thierry] Henry. I saw him from in behind and it was a delight when you gave him a long pass into space.”

We were barred from Aso Rock for attending Kyari’s funeral – Garba Shehu

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Mr Garba Shehu has reacted to certain reports making the rounds regarding some persons in the Presidency being barred from entering the Aso Rock Villa.

Following the circumstances surrounding the death of Abba Kyari, some persons who attended the burial of the late chief of staff were asked to distance themselves from Aso Rock.

Shedding light on the situation, Mr Garba Shehu stated that there is nothing special about people being barred from entering the villa after attending Abba Kyari’s funeral.

The senior special assistant on media and publicity to the president, said on Sunday that the only reason some top government officials were denied access to the presidential villa after they attended the burial was in line with guidelines put in place by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

According to a series of tweets on Sunday, Mr Shehu said the action was part of regulations put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.

“There is nothing extraordinary about those of us who attend Abba Kyari’s funeral being advised to distance ourselves from the Villa.

“This is in line with the standard rules put in place by the National Center for Disease Control, @NCDCgov and the Federal Ministry of Health. You do these things to stop the spread of #Coronavirus.

“For the most part, the Villa has operated digitally in the last few weeks so there is really nothing new to this,” Garba Shehu stated.

https://twitter.com/GarShehu/status/1251843123820584961

Mr Abba Kyari, the late chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, died of complications from COVID-19 on Friday.

He was buried on Saturday at Gudu Cemetry in Abuja according to Islamic rites.